I agree with Aly -

and I'm also one who loves to have my dog in bed with me.

Tristan was SUCH a snuggler - he'd go to bed with my son, but after Jon was asleep, Tristan would come into my room and spend the rest of the night full length alongside me in my Queen bed. I have a hard time sleeping without my snuggle bug! Tristan went to the bridge in January.

Our new Golden, Fizz, also likes to cuddle, but only temporarily. she won't stay up on either bed, although she is welcome there, anytime. she prefers beside the bed, and I have old sleeping bags next to both my bed and Jon's, just for her. she'll pop up for a snugglewhen we first go to bed, and again in the morning - but she won't stay.
Because Fizz was almost two when we got her from the breeder, she was used to being in a crate. When we first brought her home - her crate was her 'security' - the place she retreated to when everything was too 'new' and scary. ALL her toys went in there! LOL! Now the crate is still up in the living room, with the door off, and it's just a 'bed' to her. but it's still 'HER' place, ( and she still stashes all her 'prizes' in there!) though she prefers to sleep by us.

but if you are having agression problems with your girl - it is usually because the dog needs to know very clearly WHO is 'Alpha' in your house. If a dog isn't sure, they feel THEY have to 'take over' and lead- because they aren't recognising a clear leader in the 'pack'. and if you ever watch a group of dogs, you'll see that they fairly quickly establish an 'order'. so you just have to work with the trainer and set that 'order' clearly in her mind. Once it's set, with alot of 'boss' behaviors established - then it's possible to 'loosen up' a bit. but whenever she goes back to dominant behavior, you may have to tighten up some.

I know some people have a hard time accepting crates - Truthfully, I was one of those in the begining - 20 some years ago with my first dogs. But honestly, USED PROPERLY, crates are the best 'security blanket' you can give your dog. THEY like them, (as long as they are not used for 'punishment') and feel safe being 'enclosed'. for most of my dog's lives, I have NOT used their crates everyday - but when needed, having them crate-trained is the best thing for THEM. Like when we visit friends, they go to the vet, if we travel, if they are sick, the crates are a familiar comfort - a bit of 'home' that goes with them.

My dogs sleep with me - whenever I can convince them to! ;-) But I will never have a dog that isn't crate trained, also!

Laura